Assessment Rationale:

Cobalius freyi is an endemic species present in Flores, Faial, Terceira and Sta. Maria islands. It has a relatively large extent of occurrence (EOO = ca 24,500 km²) but a small area of occupancy (AOO = 36 km²). However, the AOO is underestimated due to under-sampling. The species occurs in low altitude areas in sea water rocky pools and in humid areas. C. freyi is an aquatic phytophagous species. Based upon the small area of occupancy it is assessed as Near Threatened.

Geographic Range:

Cobalius freyi is an endemic species present in Flores, Faial, Terceira and Sta. Maria islands (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010), known in low altitude areas and seawater pools. The extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca 24,500 km² and the maximum estimated area of occupancy (AOO) is 36 km².

Regions:
Portugal - Azores

Extent of Occurrence (EOO):
24500 (km2)

Area of Occupancy (AOO):
36 (km2)

Elevation Lower Limit:
0 (m)

Elevation Upper Limit:
10 (m)

Biogeographic Realms:
Palearctic

Presence:
Extant

Origin:
Endemic Azores

Seasonality:
Resident

Population:

The species is abundant in all known subpopulations in low altitude areas in several islands (Flores, Faial, Pico S. Jorge,Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria islands).

Habitat and Ecology

The species occurs in low altitude areas in sea water rocky pools and in humid areas of Flores, Faial, Terceira and Sta. Maria islands (Azores) (Svensson 1973). C. freyi is an aquatic phytophagous species.

Major Threat(s):

The main threat to this species is the impact of introduced species and the pollution of coastal rocky pools by agricultural activities (landscape transformation, pollution, habitat destruction).

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. The main habitats are well preserved. Further research is needed into its ecology and life history in order to find extant specimens.